Highlights of Hong Kong

This is the longest time in which we haven’t updated the blog since we have been so busy trying to take in all of the sights and sounds of Hong Kong. What a place! We arrived early Tuesday morning and immediately set out on a tour of the city. We first took the tram up to the 1300-foot Victoria Peak and took in the spectacular views of Hong Kong and Kowloon, where our ship was docked. These photos show views of Hong Kong Island and neighboring Kowloon…

We next went to Aberdeen to board sampan boats to tour the floating settlements. We cruised along the city’s oldest harbor, and saw houseboats that have existed since the very first settlers of Hong Kong. Many of these are now abandoned, as many of the future generations have moved to the mainland following their children, and in several years this type of existence may no longer be. Nevertheless, it was an interesting lifestyle to witness, and realize how many things we take for granted that we should not.

We then went to the open-air Stanley Market, on the southernmost tip of Hong Kong Island, to walk around and see all of the small shops where Joanna just had to stop and spend some money. (Actually John didn’t do so badly, either).

We went back to the ship, and with much of the day still remaining, took a ferry from Kowloon where we were docked back to Hong Kong Island (the ferry being a treat in itself), and found a little area called Lan Kwai Fong where there are many local pubs and restaurants and had a late afternoon lunch. The area is very busy and has the feeling of traditional Hong Kong.

After going back to the ship again and resting/freshening up, eight of us headed out for a spectacular dinner at Aqua Tokyo, in a private room overlooking the harbor and the glittering Hong Kong lights. The views and the food were fabulous. The buildings along the harbor all do a synchronized laser light show every night at 8. It sure was a sight to see.

So this was Tuesday in Hong Kong…